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Having a pet emergency plan in place for hurricane season is one of the most sensible things you can do as a responsible pet owner. When you hear a hurricane is on its way, you don't get much warning. This causes panic and often you forget what you need to do and forget important things, like your beloved animal or things that can cause you to be turned away from shelters, this is why a pet emergency plan is so important.

If you are out of home/station at the time of striking of the disaster you should make arrangements for someone to go to your home immediately and ensure the safety of your dogs. Your pet's disaster supply kit has to be kept in a convenient place inside your house; this kit should contain 3 days' supply of food and water, crate, a first aid kit, can opener, leashes, harnesses, and newspaper or potty pads. Check out this video so during a hurricane/flooding you will understand your pet’s plight and take your pets to a safe place don't leave them behind because when you return your pets might not be alive.

Pets rescued by boat in North Carolina during Hurricane Florence (Video)


Hurricane season is once again upon us. Opening in August (typically) and ending just after Thanksgiving, one never knows which one will be the next Andrew, Katrina, Hugo, George, or even the most recent in North Carolina. In this season of hurricanes and tropical storms, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that not only are you ready to evacuate at a moment's notice but also to have your pet ready to go, as well. Hurricanes are usually very trackable and, unlike tornadoes, can be predicted long enough in advance for an area to brace for damage. This one advantage allows you to act as a responsible pet parent and prepare for the worst-case scenario which is a luxury, not all storms bring with them.

Dog owners face a number of challenges and frustrations just keeping their pet safe from the elements. When storms blow through an area, it can lead to even more damage, sometimes very costly in nature. However, if you take some time to prepare for storm conditions, it can save you a lot of stress and headaches when the time comes and you do face adverse weather conditions.

In the event of a major storm, and 'storm' here does not mean a passing thunderstorm but a population-threatening event, immediately put a leash on your dogs. Do not assume your pet will come when called in such a situation; when dogs get scared they hide, often times under a bed or in a closet. This makes it very tough to reach them in time when you need to be rushing out the door to save yourself, so ensure you have your pets in a position and place to get them out easily. Be prepared to take them to the vehicle with you should you need to make an immediate exit.

Do not leave your pets to fend for themselves even if you keep enough food and water at home. While you leave, your beloved pet is alone, frightened and unable to open doors or think beyond the moment of her terror. Hurricane Flood usually saw over three million pets and livestock lost to abandonment while their owners hurried off to a safe place and left their pets home alone. During Hurricane Andrew, a thousand pets were euthanized for lack of space and no one stepping forward in time to claim them. In the days that followed Hurricane Katrina, more than ten thousand pets were rescued from the floods and wreckage but few were claimed, leading to more euthanizing. A domesticated animal left on its own in the conditions that remain in the wake of a major storm, particularly a hurricane, usually do not survive.

Pets, especially dogs, need to see a demonstration of level-headedness, quiet strength and a peaceful demeanor during times of high and frightening action. When a pets' world starts to crumble, you are to be the solid rock to which they can cling for survival. In your absent the poor animal will have nothing on which to determine its security level. First and foremost, you are the anchor so do not panic, scream or freak out more than is absolutely necessary.







How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Hurricane



You are outside with your dog, it is a nice summer day, the grass is very green and you are enjoying this time with your pup. Then you see your dog eating grass, and you ask yourself, why my dog eats grass? Is he hungry, bored or sick? Why is he eating things that are not food?

The truth is that some dogs love to eat grass. This habit usually has no bad side effects, except perhaps when he throws up the odd time. This does not affect the dog too much. He will just vomit and be on his way. It probably bothers you more than your dog.

Some people believe that dogs eat grass in order to add more nourishment to their diet. A lot of dogs will eat other things besides meat and grass is one of them. They believe dogs are trying to balance their diet of meat with some 'salad' on the side. If you are feeding your dog on high-quality food with all the nutrients that he needs, he may not eat grass, but if he is only fed meat alone, this could affect him in his choice of diet.

Another theory is that dogs eat grass to ease their stomach discomfort when having a feeling of nausea. However, dogs do not need to eat grass to vomit. It is true that sometimes they do throw up after eating grass, but this theory is merely speculation.

If your pup loves eating grass, make sure that the grass has not recently been treated with weed killer or pesticides. Except for that, you need not worry about it, because eating grass does not hurt your dog. As there is no evidence that it is harmful to your dog's health, you can be assured that eating grass is just something your dog likes to do. Even when your dog vomits once in a while, this habit will have no undesirable effects on him. Supervising him on leashed walks will help alleviate the problem. So you will be able to restrict his desire for grass if he starts to eat it if you think it necessary.

Although, there is really not much you can do about the grass-eating habit since nobody really has an answer to why dogs eat grass. Specialists seem to believe that it is just one of those things that some dogs enjoy. Preventing your dog from eating grass may deprive him of this pleasure. Supervising him on leashed walks will help alleviate the problem. So you will be able to restrict his desire for grass if he starts to eat it if you think it necessary.

Although, there is really not much you can do about the grass-eating habit since nobody really has an answer to why dogs eat grass. Specialists seem to believe that it is just one of those things that some dogs enjoy. Preventing your dog from eating grass may deprive him of this pleasure.

Why Dogs Eat Grass



Losing a dog can be a heartbreaking experience. Only dog owners will really understand how these animals become an important and irreplaceable part of the family all through their lifetimes, with traits that are unique, adorable and utterly unforgettable. If you're a dog owner and a true dog lover, it's a terrible day when your dog dies. It's almost as bad as losing a human being with whom you were very close as a friend or family member. But many people who don't own dogs or for some crazy reason don't like animals or pets cannot understand your grief. "Take it easy, he was just an animal" few of the more insensitive fellows of that lot may say to you.

 This makes it hard for you to overcome your sadness. As a matter of fact, you might start questioning yourself. "Am I crazy or hypersensitive, that I'm so overcome with grief over the death of my dog?" If you find yourself asking such questions to the mirror on the wall, don't worry about being imbalanced. You're not. You are the healthy, feeling human being. You are not crazy, and you are not "effeminate" if you're a man who sheds tears over the loss of his beloved companion.

So, the question comes "How do I handle the grief of losing a dog?" Let's look at some very important tips to help you go through this.

If you have other dogs, get even closer to them. If you have other pets that are not dogs, do the same. Let this loss make you even more appreciative of your extant pets, even if you can be sure that you never did anything that could be called neglectful toward your now deceased dog companion.

Get together with other people who understand your loss. I don't mean those who "tolerate" your loss, either. I mean those who empathize, understand and are sincerely sensitive to it. If you can get together with another person who lost a dog or who has a dying dog, they may understand you best of all. Don't think you are being self-centered by seeking them out or bringing up their own emotional suffering; they will appreciate your company just as much as you appreciate theirs. Shun people who try to belittle you over your grief about the dead dog, even if those people include some of your best friends.

Consider getting a different breed of dog. This means getting a dog that isn't of the same breed as the one that just died. It's similar to the dating or marriage principal of not looking just for a rebound. You may find yourself seeking to replace the deceased dog with a "replacement". This is entirely unfair to both you and the new dog in your life.

Leverage the grief to get creative. You might make some kind of memorabilia about your lost dog. It could be a collection of photographs, a collection of drawings, or some writings. You may even start doing something enterprising such as writing deceased pet memorabilia verses or blurbs for a greeting card company like Blue Mountain. You aren't exploiting memories of your dog when you get creative this way. You are honoring your dog. Furthermore, you are healing yourself.

How to handle the Grief of losing a Dog


To understand why domestic dogs sometimes bury bones it is necessary to take a look at the way in which wolves hunt in the wild. Burying bones is a peculiar canine behavior inherited by present-day dogs from their ancestors in the wilds. Caching or hoarding food is done by the dogs to save food for the rainy days. Of course, modern-day dogs do not need to hoard food. Responsible owners ensure that the dog has enough food every day. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but they still retain the inherent behavior of caching food.

Centuries ago, finding food was a constant challenge for the dogs. Life was hard for the early canines. These carnivores may find prey but other dogs in the pack would share in the bounty. Other scavengers like the jackals, hyenas, big cats and vultures would also want their share. These animals like the dogs have excellent olfactory senses and once they get wind of the kill they would come to partake with or without the consent of the dog that caught the prey.

The burying act entails of digging a hole with the front feet while still clasping the meat in the jaws. When the cavity is big enough, the wolf simply opens its jaws and lets the meat drop into it. It then makes use its snout to push earth back on top of the cache. Unlike cat, dog never employs its front feet to fill in a hole that it has dug. When the hole is covered over, the dog makes a few pressing-down movements with its snout and then wanders off. It returns the following day, digs up the meat with its front feet, grabs it in its jaws, gives one powerful shake to remove the earth that is clinging to its hoard, and then settles down to eating it.

Returning to the domestic dog, it is now easy to see what conditions must be present to encourage it to bury food. In the first instance, there must be a food surplus. A hungry dog would, like its wolf ancestors, eat everything it could. Only if there was something left over that could not be eaten would it be carried into the garden and buried.

The reason why bones are so popular as burying objects is that, even if the dogs in question are not overfed and have no real food surplus, a large bone, which is impossible to break up and eat, has about it the essential quality of a food object that cannot be eaten now'. It is this 'left-over' quality that persuades even a hungry dog to bury it.

Modern day dogs do not need to hunt in order to survive. The doggie bowl will always be filled with kibble every meal time. The habit of burying bone though will still surface now and again. This is an intrinsic behavior that cannot be curbed with an adequate supply of food. Dogs may be domesticated but they will still bury bones as it is their instinctive nature to survive.


Why Do Dogs Bury Bones



50 Cent (aka Curtis James Jackson) has been an explosive figure in the hip-hop industry since his major label debut in 2003. Despite a hard childhood and youth, he has managed to pull himself out of the streets with unique rhymes and an ear for finding other rap talents.

They say a dog is a man's best friend, so 50 Cent is one man who has taken his talent a notch-further finding comfort in these four-legged pets and he takes every opportunity available to flaunt his furry friends with heart-warming pictures.

50 Cent is a pretty big name, best known around the world by not only rap fans who like to watch music videos but as well as pet lovers like us; I fell in love with this rapper when he released his first hit track "In Da Club". If you are a pet lover and love this rap star like I do, then check out his 10 amazing pictures with dogs, clear evidence that this rapper, investor, actor, and a businessman is in love with DOGS.



You can judge the heart of a man by how he treats his dog.





Better than all of the gold in the world, better than diamonds, better than pearls, better than materials things, is the love of a dog and the joy it brings.





The better I know human, the more I find myself loving a dog.




Money can buy you a lot of things, but only a dog can wiggle it butt everytime you come in the door.




Learn a lesson from your dog – No matter what life brings you. Kick some grass over that shit and move on






Petting, cuddling and scratching a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep motivation and almost as good to the soul as prayer.





A journey is sweet when traveling with a dog




Leave me alone, I am only speaking to my dog today.



Handle every stressful situation like a dog, if you can’t eat it or play with it. Just pee on it and walk away.



 The best dog dad is someone who works hard so his dog can have a good life.

10 Amazing Photos of 50 Cent With Dogs



The breed of golden retrievers is preferred the world over because these dogs are very friendly. They love to play with their owners. They even try and make friends with visitors to the house and other dogs. They love strenuous physical activities. If you are planning to buy a golden retriever you have made a wise choice but you should have complete information on the breed. So here are some frequently asked questions about Golden Retrievers and the answers:

Question 1. Will all males mark territory or lift their legs?

Answer:  If males are neutered early, generally 6 months to 1.5 years, they will not be territorial.

Question 2. Why is it appropriate to spray my female?

Answer: By spaying your female before her first heat cycle you will be able to protect her against mammary tumors, uterine, cancer, and ovarian cancer. In addition, sterilized pets tend to behave better.

Question 3. Why is it appropriate to spray my male?

Answer: By spraying your male you can prevent your dog from developing testicular tumors and having a lower incidence of prostate cancer. In addition, by neutering your male Golden Retriever early on you will decrease the chances of medical problems, territorial aggression, leg lifting, roaming, behavioral problems, mounting, and possessive aggression.

Question 4. What is the lifespan of these dogs?

Answer.  Typically the lifespan is 12-15 years

Question 5.  What are some of the differences between male and female Goldens?

Answer: Size is the biggest difference between male and females. Females usually weigh between 50-60 pounds and the male usually weight 65-80 pound.

Question 6. Is it true or a misconception that females are calmer than males?

Answer:  In most cases, male Goldens tend to be more affectionate than females. In addition, females tend to be more independent than males.

Question 7. Do Golden Retrievers shed?

Answer:  Yes, they are known for shedding. This breed of dog sheds year round with a minimum of two times per year. Golden Retrievers need to be groomed/brushed on a daily basis and regularly use an undercoat rake which will reduce shedding. By brushing daily, it keeps the hair from matting.

Question 8. Should a Golden Retriever be shaved?

Answer: No, do not shave your Golden. A daily routine of brushing with an undercoat rake will help to solve the shedding problem. Goldens have to layers of coat hair. Golden Retriever coats are designed to keep them comfortable and to protect them from winter and summer cold and heat. During the winter months, undercoat grows and during the spring months, they begin to shed.

Question 9. How much exercise do Golden Retrievers need?

Answer:  Goldens are a very active breed and need a lot of exercises. While your Golden is young, under the age of 18 months, you should be careful about how much exercise they endure. In addition, you should not make your Golden jog or run until they are fully grown in order to avoid damaging their joints. Some proper exercise for Golden Retrievers includes throwing tennis balls, swimming, playing with other dogs, etc.

Question 10. Are Golden Retrievers good with children?

Answer:  Most Goldens adapt very well with children. Be careful though, despite their friendly temperament these dogs are active and energetic dogs. This means without meaning to a Golden could easily knock small children down with excitement.

Ten Most Ask Questions about Golden Retrievers



Louie the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel began barking and frantically running around the apartment to get the attention of Shannon Weeks.

Shannon, from Dartford in Kent, followed the dog to her daughter's bedroom and found her one-year-old daughter lying face down.

Fortunately, it was not too late and the child was fully recovered, but the doctors said she could have died if it were not for Louie.

Louis does not even belong to the family, her owner is Shannon’s nan Maureen Tarrant, who brought him to her apartment that same day. Shannon, 23, said: "The dog kept barking and barking."

"He hardly ever does that so I did not know what to think ... Louis was going in and out of the rooms and back to Chloe.
"I went out and saw him outside of my daughter's room ... It was the worst you can imagine.

"I entered and my daughter was face down, she was pale and was not breathing, she had vomited and choked on her own sick, the only thing I remember doing is screaming".




Chloe came round when her mother picked her and patted her back, and her father Tom took her to Darent Valley Hospital.

Doctors told the family that four-year-old Louie saved Chloe's life.

Shannon said, "Lewis is my hero. If not for him, I would not have my pretty daughter."

The next evening, Chloe fell ill again and was diagnosed with bronchitis and stomach bug, but she has recovered since.

Shannon said: "The doctors said that if it were not for Louie and I had not get there when I did, Chloe may not have survived, he really did save my daughter."

I've always been nervous about dogs around babies before. Louie is so loyal, he never hurt a fly. After what happened, I went and get him some treats, if not for him I would not have my beautiful daughter."

Dog saved a little girl from choking to death


In some universities and colleges, such as Georgetown in Washington, DC, dogs have been on campus for years as lucky charms to sports teams. However, gradually more dogs are becoming part of campus life to help relieve stress.

With the return of students to the University of South Carolina this year, they were greeted by Indy, a therapy dog who will soon become a constant presence on campus, according to Raleigh News & Observer. Once the dog training is complete, she will participate in pet-a-puppy events and hold office hours at the University Student Health Services.

The University of Southern California has a dog on campus since 2016. The black golden puppy known as Professor Beauregard Tirebiter - but you can call him "Beau" - has office hour at the student’s health center. According to the media reports, the university said it believe the dog was the first full-time facility pup on a college campus.

Research suggests that positive interactions with dogs can create a sense of calm and well-being for the person, according to Olga Solomon, a professor of occupational therapy at the University of Southern California in2016. Even only petting dogs can increase serotonin, beta-endorphins, and oxytocin - chemicals and hormones that make people happy and reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

How Therapy Dog Can Help College Students' with stress



Designer dog clothes are developed by some of the top designers in the canine fashion world. These collections come in an array of colors and styles and form a perfect selection for all kinds of occasions such as weddings and other social events. These designer dog clothes go for a pretty penny, just as for the designer clothes you yourself might wear. Shop around for the most reasonable prices and the styles you want. The style and fabric of the dog apparels vary according to the breed.

One of the biggest issues, why there are some pet owners who are apprehensive about purchasing designer dog clothes, is the hefty price tag that comes along with it. For example, a custom-made Mary Jane prom dress for your little puppy can set you back almost a hundred dollars, when you can settle for the homemade version at less than half the price.

But then again, that's only one side of the coin. As you know, when you're looking to buy something, it should not only be the price tag that guides your decision, but also the quality. Designer dog clothes certainly offer premium quality.

1. Quality will last. You could be spending a lot now, but you know that the designer dog apparel is the ones that last longer. The secret doesn't only lie on the materials used but also on how the pieces are sewn together. Clothing designers also take the time and effort to make sure that every piece will pass the standards set by the clothing supply store as well as by their customers.

2. The materials used are very durable and comfortable. You can definitely see the difference between a very fine mesh and a fake one. Being assured of the quality of material used allows you to know that your pup will not experience any allergic reactions to the garment.

3. They are easy to maintain. Contrary to what other people think, designer dog clothes are actually very easy to clean, as long as you follow instructions or directions on how to do it. You can see the washing instructions on the tag attached to the clothing or in the box, which will always come together with your purchase.

4. Aesthetic Packaging. When the designer clothes are not in use, you can store them in their original packaging for safekeeping. The packing is usually attractive making a great gift, but also generally protects the garment from dust when not in use. With all the benefits you can get from designer apparel, it's well worth spending that little bit extra.

5. They are more fashionable and visually appealing. You would not be afraid to let your dog roam around donning a hoodie made by Juicy Couture or even by Snoop Doggy. After all, they look nice, solid, and bright with all the colors and the images that they contain.


Designer Dog Clothes



In recent years, there has been a lot of information in the news about dog flu or as it is otherwise known canine flu. More recently, the new bird flu or avian flu has emerged that has been spreading to humans too. With all this going on, it's enough to make you want to lock the doors keep your dog safely hidden away and wait for it all to pass!

The good news is, you and your dog don't have to go into hiding to avoid catching anything. A few simple precautions will keep you safe and allow you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors to the full.

Let's begin by identifying some specific facts about canine flu or dog flu. The highly contagious virus which is responsible for canine flu was originally spotted in around 2004 in the greyhound racing population. Many dogs died as a result and many more taken ill. That said, the virus is shown to be deadly in only 10% of the most susceptible dogs. I.e. Young puppies or older dogs whose immune systems are weakened.

More recently, canine flu has entered the domestic dog population. Although this may be the case, there are steps you can take to protect your dog.

Firstly, be aware that the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has recommendations for good infection control practices. Wherever you take your dog to be it a groomer, pet store, boarding kennel, animal shelter or dog show, always ensure that they meet the AVMA standards. Any place that your dog is likely to be closely contained with other dogs in greater numbers than usual, always check those guidelines are being met.

You should ask how to deal with suspected cases of canine flu. How do they isolate dogs that develop symptoms? Do they have a vet on call? When/how do they notify owners that their dog is showing symptoms. Asking all these questions will help you assess whether your dog will be o.k. there.

Additionally, if you think that you may have come into contact with a dog carrying the canine flu virus, wash your hands and clothes and anything you may have touched. Do this before coming into contact with other animals.

At the time of writing this article, there is no available vaccination for the canine flu. If you feel your dog may have canine flu or been exposed to canine flu, do not take them anywhere where other dogs will be congregating. Seek veterinary advice immediately.

If your dog does have dog flu the good news is that most dogs will recover in anything from 10 to 30 days. Most dogs will suffer from a persistent cough and a runny nose.

More severe cases will involve a fever and possibly pneumonia. The use of an intravenous may be needed with a course of antibiotics. Most dogs will recover from canine flu if cared for properly by a veterinarian.

Luckily, there is no evidence at the moment to suggest that people are at risk of catching dog flu. If you are worried about this then you can breathe easy.

Originally, the canine flu stemmed from the equine influenza virus which has been around for over 40 years. In this time, there has been no evidence to suggest anybody has caught the flu virus from a horse that had contracted it.

If you have concerns about canine flu, do not be afraid to take the dog for a walk or meeting other pooches. Your dog needs to exercise and socialize as much as ever. The best course of action would be to take the above precautions mentioned in this article. Find out as much additional information as you can and just be aware. That way your dog gets to enjoy life, and stay safe at the same time.

All You Need to Know About Canine Flu


Most domestic dogs live between 10 and 13 years, although many live up to 16 years, dogs that spend time outdoors may have a shorter life due to exposure to health hazards such as chemicals, traffic, infections, human violence and fighting with other dogs. As with humans, a better medical care and quality food now mean that dogs can live longer and this poses unique challenges to dog owners who care for the older dog. The following are some things you should consider as your pet is getting old.

Joints and muscles: Puppy does not remain flexible and energetic forever, and when their muscles tone decreases and their joints become inflamed with conditions such as arthritis, the cat may experience greater difficulty moving around.

Ensure your pet beds are easy for him to climb. You can also consider creating ramps out of plywood covered in carpet and use it to help him climb up stairs or his favorite patch on the sofa.

As pet age, caring for them becomes even more important. When a pet becomes too old, it can suffer the loss of sight and hearing, just like older humans, caring for dogs becomes more difficult at this age. Care must be taken to ensure the pet is as comfortable as possible. Your dog teeth can present real challenges as they get older. Like all of us, the older we get the more dental problems we have. Be sure you do everything possible to keep your dog teeth healthy.

Homeopathy: Another valuable treatment for your dog is homeopathy. Consult a holistic veterinarian before you combine any supplements with any other medication your dog is taking. Also, if your pup is seriously ill, never give him any supplement without the guidance of holistic veterinarians. Remember that supplements are also medications and can be dangerous if not used properly.

If your family is mixed- by this I mean having a dog living with your cat, some of this information can be applied to your elder dog. But, again, check with a knowledgeable veterinarian that has experience in homeopathy and Holistic therapy. You may have to call many veterinarians before finding the one with these skills.



How to keep Elderly Dogs Healthy and Active as They Age

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